Explore the untold stories and the diverse cultures that shape the African travel experience. Reimagine your inner journey, illuminating what you thought you knew about Africa while shedding layers of misconceptions. Binyavanga Wainaina's wry, evocative literary collection, How To Write About Africa, challenges the narrow-minded narrative that promotes the trope, "Africa Is A Country". In this myth-busting blog, I resolve to shine a light on things I want you to know about the continent of my birth and essence: Africa.
There's more to Africa than meets the eye, Image Credit: African Bush Camps
Africa's Narrative: A Pula For Your Thoughts
When you think about Africa, what images come to mind? Do you catch yourself picturing scenes projected by mass media: war-torn countries wracked by famine needing 'rescuing' by aid campaigns? Or, do you imagine a place of vast natural riches, beautiful landscapes of staggering diversity and cultural wealth?
Your answers may differ vastly based on many criteria: where you live, your level of education, your political outlook, how well-travelled you are, and your demographic can all influence your view of Africa.
When examining these thoughts, the question is, where do these ideas come from? What is their origin story? Over time, careless reporting, biased media messaging, and failed well-intentioned projects simultaneously tarred Africa's 54 countries with the same brush and feathered them with the unflattering moniker: the dark continent.
The reality could not be further from the truth. A place of industry and innovation, we march to the beat of our drum, building bridges of impact at home and abroad. And what could be more enlightening than celebrating your country's inherent national treasure – water – by naming your currency after it? Botswana's Pula is both a legal tender and a way for her people to exclaim "Pula!" to express jubilation as they celebrate life, love, and everything else. Supremely cool.
Botswana's currency, 'Pula', also means 'let there be rain', vital in this semi-arid country
Varying Climes On the Continent
Although its topography, marked by deserts like the rolling burnt sienna-hued dune fields of the ancient Namib and hot, humid rainforests, Africa can get cold; anyone who has ever been on a pre-dawn safari drive in the grip of South Africa's mid-winter can agree. Mountaineers summiting the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro and the blanket-clad Basotho of the Maloti Mountain Kingdom, Lesotho, can attest to this fact. Some have arrived unprepared and have borne the brunt of it. Luckily, Africa is an incredible shopping destination, with good quality and unique garments to wear and cherish long after your return home. Support local entrepreneurs, vendors and independent shops wherever possible.
Still, our winters in Africa pale compared to those in the Global North, making it a popular value-for-money holiday option.
Wrap up snug for early game drives in the winter
Shattering Africa's Distorted Image
Imagining how African people live – it's like asking how long a piece of string is. Do we have lions roaming our streets? While these scenarios are true to life in some places, they are not the be-all and end-all of Africa's vibrant architecture. Looking past the ingrained, contorted, fun-house stereotypes can be tricky.
Speaking of building, the Natural Building Collective employs innovative building methods. Architectural marvels abound, from Cape Town's cutting-edge villas, Johannesburg's boutique residences and far-flung retreat in the rugged Northern Cape, South Africa, to Zambia's uber-chic Chinzombo Lodge by Time + Tide and Kenya's experience-filled Segera Retreat – pure zen. Unpack a trunk full of old-world charm with an eco-friendly pulse of Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania. Or, spirit yourself away to the heart of the Okavango Delta's watery wilderness, Vumbura Plains in Botswana or find solace in Nambia's awe-inspiring desert lodge Little Kulala.
Only Africa offers such edified design-led hotels, camps, and lodges. The most interesting are those infused with the enchanting nuances of the local culture, heritage, and landscape.
Many lodges draw on the local cultures, traditions, and ceremonies, Image Credit: Singita
Uncommon Poetry Unfolds In Africa's Everyday Stories
Griots, the name given to storytellers in some African cultures, are lauded figures in folkloric tradition. Africa itself is a master storyteller. Its landscapes, people, and traditions weave intricate narratives that rush into the cracks of your heart, filling it up.
As varied as Africa's nations, there are many types of storytelling. One of the most potent is the spoken word; as oral traditions pass down wisdom, Africa's stories challenge stereotypes, revealing home truths to remember.
Today, a groundswell of original African voices is ready to take charge of Africa's narrative and fill the world with our unique, compelling tales, underscored by truth and originality. We hail from all colours and creeds, bound together by the golden thread of our innate Africanness. Our stories unite courage, complexity and hope. Some may be heart-wrenching, others light as a feather. All are compelling and rooted in resilience. Hear us roar!
The best kinds of stories are shared around the fire
Let Africa Surprise You
Daily, such stories unfurl around us – in dusty townships, middle-class suburban households, schools, places of work, in the air and on land and sea, and in the great outdoors. You must first get to know the storyteller to let these stories touch you.
Africa has untold might, richness, diversity, and ingenuity. To embrace the fullness of the experiences, connect through a sense of belonging through shared happenings here. Achieve this by paying attention to the nuances of our cultures and traditions, rejecting preconceived ideas and tropes, and challenging any biases along the way.
South Africa, the land of my birth, holds the origin of humankind in her bosom. Ours is a life-giving continent of staggering vastness and variety, and there is so much to explore within its 54 independent nations. I hope I have informed and inspired a visit to Africa.
Read the stories of those gone before, Image Credit: Katharina Riebesel
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